THE country’s only “futsal court by the sea” near Tan Jetty in George Town, Penang, will soon see a roof installed.
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying has allocated RM400,000 for the project, while Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will provide RM106,688.
The project includes soil investigation, a 5m-high roof frame, fence as well as installation and finishing works.
The upgrades to the court (which meets FIFA specifications at 25m x 17.5m) is expected to be completed in July.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said the court was unique due to its unique seaside location.
“This is possibly one of the only futsal-by-the-sea courts in Penang, if not Malaysia.
“Internationally, one famous football field by the sea is in Henningsvaer, Norway, which attracts tourists.
“Here, we already have our own futsal court by the sea.”
Wong said the court was highly utilised, especially on weekends, with youths gathering weekly for matches.
He said firefighters from the nearby Lebuh Pantai fire station also used the facility for training and leisure.
“The roof will allow activities to continue regardless of weather.
“Although Pengkalan Kota has many senior citizens, we have not neglected youth and sports development.
Meanwhile, Lim said the upgrade came at the right time as unpredictable weather, including heavy rain and scorching heat, frequently disrupted activities.
“Sports activities cannot be carried out consistently, limiting our efforts to cultivate positive activities among youths.
“That is why my parliamentary office, together with Wong and local community leaders, proposed the construction of a roof.”
Although construction has yet to start, Lim said soil and structural studies have been completed.
She said the futsal court would be closed during the upgrade.
The land belongs to the district office, with maintenance supported by the Pengkalan Kota Village Community Management Council (MPKK).
Futsal players welcomed the upgrade, with Muhammad Amirun Arsyad Idris, 14, saying that with the roof installed, they could train more frequently.
“I am very happy because it will not be so hot anymore.
“We can play even at noon then, and with the fence we will not have to worry about the ball going into the sea,” he said.
Futsal team manager Abdullah Abdul Rahman said the roof would improve their weekly routine.
“We train every Sunday from 8am to 10am because the children have school on weekdays.
“Previously, we avoided afternoon sessions due to the heat.
“If it rained or the weather was too hot, we had to cancel or cut short our practice,” he said.
